Benue flags-off distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials at SUBEB to boost Basic Education

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State Government has officially flagged off the distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) donated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to public basic education schools across the state.

According to a statement by the Information Officer of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Emmanuella Akese, the flag-off ceremony took place on Monday at the headquarters  of the board in Makurdi.

Performing the exercise on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening basic education in the state.

“Basic education remains the bedrock of child development and the foundation upon which all other levels of education are built. The provision of adequate teaching and learning materials is non-negotiable if we must achieve quality education outcomes," Dr. Ode said.

He noted that the distribution of the materials was a clear demonstration of Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to advancing basic education, adding that the state government has complemented UBEC’s intervention with additional resources such as dusters, markers and whiteboards.

According to the Deputy Governor, the Alia administration has shown strong political will in repositioning the education sector, especially at the basic level.

He cited achievements including the consistent payment of counterpart funds, construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, provision of teaching aids, and strengthened collaboration with UBEC and development partners.

Dr. Ode, however, warned Education Secretaries to ensure that the materials are delivered strictly to the public schools for which they are intended. “Any diversion of these materials will attract appropriate sanctions,” he cautioned.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, represented by the Commission’s North Central Director, Elder Edward Abalaka, commended the Benue State Government for its consistency in collaborating with UBEC.

She observed that the absence of essential teaching and learning materials undermines effective education delivery.

She also praised the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, for repositioning the Board for greater efficiency and assured the state of UBEC’s continued support.

“UBEC remains committed to supporting Benue State in building a functional and effective basic education system,” she said.

Earlier, Dr. Adagba explained that the materials were carefully selected to support early literacy, promote digital learning, stimulate creativity and enhance classroom engagement.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his consistent support to the Board, noting that the intervention would significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes in basic schools across the state.

“We are confident that these materials will make a measurable difference in our classrooms and positively impact learning outcomes for the Benue child,” she said.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Education, Hon. Elias Audu, and the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, commended Dr. Adagba for the innovative programmes being implemented by SUBEB.

They acknowledged that the initiatives have positively changed the narrative of basic education in the state and pledged continued support to the Board.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Alfred Emberga, pledged the Assembly’s support to SUBEB in its quest to provide quality education.

He expressed confidence in the leadership and capacity of the Board, assuring of continued collaboration for the development of the state.

The Teaching and Learning Materials distributed include whiteboard markers, smart boards, computers, English and Mathematics textbooks, Early Childhood Education Development books, History books and assorted storybooks.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman, Forum of Heads of Agencies, Mrs. Erdoo Iyo; the General Manager, Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Fanafa; the Managing Director, Benue Printing and Publishing Company, Mr. Mtsor Joel (Shimatex); the General Manager, Benue Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba; the General Manager, Novus Bank, Mrs. Patricia Goja; and the Director General, Climate Change, Dr. Mailumo, among other top government officials.